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Stretches for kicking?Dynamic flexibility is different; the quick motion of a kick can cause the nervous system to fire and tighten the muscles to prevent flexion (similar to the tightness caused by even a minor car accident).

What material should be covered in a rape-defense course?This is, in my opinion, hands down the best answer. "Rape prevention" or "Rape defense" courses need to emphasize a lack of answers – they need to demonstrate that we don't have a one-stop answer, but that we want to encourage an increase in awareness, and offer a means of improving their odds. I went to and assisted in a number of courses before I taught my first; but it wasn't until I had a woman in my class tell me about her experiences that I understood even a little. Any training is about reclaiming power and self-worth, two things many victims feel they've lost.

Is there any information on pre-19th century Irish weapons-based martial arts?My problem is this: John Hurley doesn't provide evidence for the existence of a codified system. It seems more likely that "Scianóreacht" for instance refers to the use of or skills with a knife in general, rather than a particular set of techniques, which likely existed in a less unified, familial training sort of form, much the way many european traditions were passed. In the 19th c. traditional weapons were banned, and the shillelagh became a popular replacement – after all, how do you ban tree branches?

Choosing a Target When Cornered by Multiple AttackersFrom a legal standpoint, you're always in a gray area with self-defense. Self-defense is an affirmative defense; you're acknowledging that you committed the act for which you're charged, but stating that exigent circumstances made the action necessary. First strike does not necessarily negate self-defense; it does make it harder to prove. Being surrounded, however, gives you a good defense.